- Edict
- Today's Word
Edict
EE-dikt
Definition
(noun) An official order or proclamation issued by someone in authority.
Example
The emperor’s edict banned all public gatherings for the rest of the month.
The word “edict” is often associated with royal declarations. One of the most famous is the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which helped establish religious tolerance in the Roman Empire. In modern contexts, it still carries a weight of top-down control, from corporate memos to government mandates.

Today's Popular Words
Edict
- Today's Word
Edict
EE-dikt
Definition
(noun) An official order or proclamation issued by someone in authority.
Example
The emperor’s edict banned all public gatherings for the rest of the month.
Fun Fact
The word “edict” is often associated with royal declarations. One of the most famous is the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which helped establish religious tolerance in the Roman Empire. In modern contexts, it still carries a weight of top-down control, from corporate memos to government mandates.
Circumspect
- Today's Word
Circumspect
SUR-kum-spekt
Definition
(adjective) Careful to consider all risks and consequences before acting.
Example
The attorney remained circumspect during the negotiations, declining to rush into any decisions.
Fun Fact
While “circumspect” may sound like a formal word, its roots simply mean “to look around.” In ancient Rome, it was considered a virtue to act with circumspection in matters of state and war. Today, it’s a favorite in business, diplomacy, and even parenting—anywhere caution is considered a strength.
Wanton
- Today's Word
Wanton
WAHN-tuhn
Definition
(adjective) Excessive, deliberate, and unrestrained—especially in a cruel or reckless way.
Example
The villain’s wanton destruction of the town shocked even his most loyal followers.
Fun Fact
In Shakespearean times, “wanton” was often used to describe lustful or unchaste behavior, but over the centuries, it expanded to cover all kinds of reckless or unjustifiable actions—from violent destruction to excessive luxury. It remains a favorite in legal language for actions that cross ethical lines.
Petulance
- Today's Word
Petulance
PET-yoo-luns
Definition
(noun) The quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered.
Example
His petulance was on full display when the restaurant ran out of his favorite dessert.
Fun Fact
Petulance isn’t just for toddlers. In 17th-century court writings, the word was often used to describe nobles who threw fits when political decisions didn’t go their way. Even Shakespeare used variations of it to mock vain characters with bruised egos.
Neophyte
- Today's Word
Neophyte
NEE-uh-fyte
Definition
(noun) A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.
Example
As a neophyte in the art world, she eagerly soaked up knowledge from more seasoned curators.
Fun Fact
Originally used in religious contexts, a “neophyte” was a new convert. Today, the term applies more broadly—from first-time hikers to rookie programmers. It carries less judgment than “novice” and more curiosity than “beginner.”
Forestall
- Today's Word
Forestall
for-STALL
Definition
(verb) To prevent or obstruct something by taking action ahead of time.
Example
She took quick action to forestall any rumors about the company’s leadership change.
Fun Fact
In chess and military strategy, forestalling is everything—move first, and you control the board. The term originally referred to merchants blocking competitors by cornering a market before others could set up shop.

Top 12 Benefits of Learning New Words
Expanding your vocabulary can offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to personal, academic, and professional growth. Learn some of the advantages.
